Computer Program Detail Page

Statistical Interpretation of Entropy Package

written by
Todd Timberlake

The Statistical Interpretation of Entropy Launcher package is a self-contained file for teaching the basic concept of the statistical interpretation of entropy. The file contains ready-to-run Easy Java Simulations (EJS) programs and curricular materials. The curricular materials describe a simple hands-on coin flip experiment that can help student become familiar with the basic statistical ideas involved in the approach to equilibrium and the second law of thermodynamics. The materials also describe how the EJS programs can be used to extend this simple experiment and explore these concepts at a deeper level. The EJS programs include simulations of the coin flip experiment, the expansion of an ideal gas in a box, the mixing of hot and cold ideal gases, and the action of Maxwell's Demon.

The materials in this resource are described in an article titled "The Statistical Interpretation of Entropy: An Activity" to be published in The Physics Teacher.

Please note that this resource requires
at least version 1.5 of
Java (JRE).

Statistical Interpretation of Entropy Worksheets (PDF)
This collection of worksheets is a zip file containing PDF versions of both worksheets in the Statistical Interpretation of Entropy Package. download 200kb .zip
Published: June 30, 2010

Statistical Interpretation of Entropy Worksheets (LaTeX)
This collection of worksheets is a zip file containing the LaTeX source for both worksheets in the Statistical Interpretation of Entropy Package. download 21kb .zip
Published: June 30, 2010

Statistical Interpretation of Entropy Worksheets (HTML)
This collection of worksheets is a zip file containing HTML versions of both worksheets in the Statistical Interpretation of Entropy Package. download 35kb .zip
Published: June 30, 2010

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